Meaning of OBSERVATION in English

[ U , C ] the act of watching sb/sth carefully for a period of time, especially to learn sth :

Most information was collected by direct observation of the animals' behaviour.

results based on scientific observations

We managed to escape observation (= we were not seen) .

The suspect is being kept under observation (= watched closely by the police) .

She has outstanding powers of observation (= the ability to notice things around her) .

an observation post / tower (= a place from where sb, especially an enemy, can be watched)

2.

[ C ] observation (about / on sth) a comment, especially based on sth you have seen, heard or read

SYN remark :

He began by making a few general observations about the report.

She has some interesting observations on possible future developments.

➡ note at declaration

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WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English (in the sense respectful adherence to the requirements of rules or ritual ): from Latin observatio(n-) , from the verb observare to watch, from ob- towards + servare attend to, look at.